The Berlin Smart Grand Slam will have a change of scene in 2014 with matches being held in the centre of Berlin. Last year's final (above) was held at the Forest Stage in Waldbuehne on the outskirts of the city.

Berlin, Germany, March 11, 2014 – The
Berlin Smart Grand Slam will return to the centre of the German capital in
2014.

In the past two years the tournament
has been based on the edge of the city at the Forest Stage which is part of the
Olympic Park, venue for the 1936 Olympic Games. This year the organisers IMG
and the German Volleyball Federation have opted to move to a purpose-built
4,000 capacity venue on Washington Square, in front of the Central Station and
close to the Chancellery and the Reichstag.

“Our sport is gaining in popularity
and attracting the attention of many people,” Germany’s FIVB World
Championships bronze medallist Kay Matysik said. “Playing in the heart of
Berlin and in the middle of the government district will be a special
experience for all us players.”

This year is the seventh time that
Berlin has hosted an FIVB Beach Volleyball tournament following the 2005 FIVB
Beach Volleyball World Championships and Grand Slams in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2012
and 2013.

The 2014 Berlin Smart Grand Slam is
due to run from Tuesday, June 17 through to Sunday June 22, when both men’s and
women’s finals will take place. As well as the centre court there will be a second
court on Washington Square and a further two courts outside Berlin’s North
Station.

“Our big concern this year is to put
sport back at the forefront of the city,” Tournament Director Siegbert
Brutschin said. “We have the best beach volleyball players in the world, the
most beautiful city and a great venue. This will be a world-class event for both
the players and spectators.”